By Monica Chang
As a former professor and head of the Musical Theater Department at a Ukrainian university, music is a lifeline for Elena Mladzievska. After dedicating 52 years to discovering young voices, her life was upended in February 2022 when war forced her to flee her homeland.
Journey Through Darkness
Elena and her husband, Leonid, a former shipbuilder, were trapped in Kherson after it was occupied in April 2022. Each day was filled with fear and despair. Nine months later, when the city was liberated but still in ruins, they had no choice but to escape.
With determination and the help of neighbors, Leonid and Elena drove 18 kilometers through dangerous territory, dodging artillery fire. They eventually boarded a refugee bus to Poland, arriving on November 25, 2022.
Though safe from war, they faced displacement, financial difficulties, and uncertainty. The stress took a toll on Leonid's health, leading to a diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension.
Music Brings Hope and Change
In their darkest moments, Elena found a ray of light through the Tzu Chi Foundation in Poznan, Poland. The center became a haven for Ukrainian refugees, offering more than just aid but also a sense of purpose.
Due to age and health, Elena couldn't find paid work. She returned to her passion—music—and began volunteering as a choir teacher for Ukrainian children. These children, like her, had endured the trauma of war. Some had stopped speaking, while others were terrified of sounds due to the constant explosions.
"The sadness in their eyes faded when they started singing," Elena shared emotionally. "They remembered joy."
One student, ten-year-old Angelina, faced even greater challenges. Diagnosed with autism after fleeing to Poland, she was non-responsive and withdrawn. Elena could only communicate with her through Angelina's mother.
But a miracle happened. Through music, Angelina began to show interest and trust. She started by listening, then timidly touching the electric piano. Weeks later, something incredible occurred—Angelina sang. Her first words were in song, a childhood tune called "The Happy Crane." Elena tearfully recalled, "That moment changed everything."
Healing Through Care
Tzu Chi's efforts extend beyond music classes. Since the war began, over 12 million Ukrainians have been displaced, with millions seeking refuge in Poland. The January 2025 attacks by Russia left many cities devastated, causing immense suffering.
Within Tzu Chi's walls, volunteers provide food, shelter, and medical care, but most importantly, love. Elena described it as a place where "pain and sorrow are transformed into care and warmth, each kind act mending broken hearts."
For Elena, witnessing her homeland's suffering is a heavy burden. She worries for her friends, family, and country. But she finds strength in the children's choir. "When we sing 'The Cranes Return,' I feel hopeful. I see the future," she said.
New Goals Through Music
Beyond the choir, Elena mentors many. She uses music therapy to help autistic Ukrainian children manage their emotions and assists young families in integrating into Polish schools. She continuously adapts her teaching plans to meet current challenges, focusing on helping children experience and live through art.
In her classes, drama and fairy tales come to life, blending with music. Using facial expressions, movement, and dance, she helps children express emotions, even when words fail. Through rhythm and body language, they convey fear, joy, sadness, and hope, resulting in choral performances. Here, everyone becomes part of a magical world, where voices and gestures express more than words.
Elena is more than a teacher; she's a pillar of strength for those who lost everything. Despite the hardships, she considers herself lucky. "I lost my home, but I found a family here. Tzu Chi saved me with food and comforted me with love."
